Mackay is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Mackay is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Mackay, ID. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"I selected this campground after missing out on a nearby first come first serve that was fully booked."
"Incredible views after driving through most of Idaho this spot is a relief!"
"The road first takes you through a canyon with a few dispersed spots with tables and fire pits. Saw one vault toilet too. As you continue to this spot, there’s lots of places to pull off and camp."
"This is an amazing secluded spot deep into the Sawtooth Mountains of Central Idaho. We've been coming here for years and my fathers been coming here since the 60's. "
"Dirt road with loose gravel but my AWD suv had no problem towing my 30ft camper up and down to the waters edge."
"This forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest."
"Visited in August 2024
Driving past mega mansions will eventually lead you to a dirt road stretching into an open valley."
"Turn at the BLM sign and take a little gravel road to several free creekside spots!"
"Great spots near a slow moving river with bathrooms and shade and picnic tables. The best dispersed camping I have ever found!"
"No facilities. Close to town, a few pretty sites with some shade."
"Close to Sun Valley. Place to turn around if unable to fine a campsite. No cell coverage. Only 3 day limit."
"Large campsites next to stream nestled in a beautiful valley. Hiking/mtb trail next to campsites."
LegendThis forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest. You'll drive through a residential area so mind your speed as there are kids around and lots of cars parked that were crowding into the road a bit as there were construction workers building one of the massive houses along this road.
The paved road comes to an end with a large parking or turn around area then turns to a very washboarded dirt/gravel road that runs behind people’s houses so maybe drive a bit slower to keep the dust down until you pass that point.
There are multiple areas that are large and mostly flat that pull off the side of this main dirt road. The views are amazing and it seemed quiet. We did not stay here as it was too hot at the time, but we would have because you have nice hiking or biking opportunities here. The pullout spaces are large enough for a good sized rig, we had plenty of space for our 26’ class C. A couple of the sites had stone fire pits but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time. There are plenty of sites here and they were almost all free when we visited in September.
There are no amenities here. No garbage or water. You are fully in the sun with no shade.
The camping limit is 3 days only. There is one garbage can at near the large turn around/parking area before the road turns to dirt but it was small so just take your trash with you.
Good ATT and Verizon cell reception.
LegendCoordinartes: 44.16547,-112.90392. Beautiful views. Large dirt and gravel site, right along side to Skull Canyon Road, about a mile from ID Hwy 28. Canyon walls on each side. Rough narrow rocky track to the site from the highway; recommend high clearance. High humps on this track. Small rock fire ring. Grass and sagebrush all around site. Some leveling may be required. Tent camping possible. Very peaceful; can hardly hear road noise from highway. The only vehicle that drove by was a national forest truck. No cell service. There are several boondocking sites, some with vault toilets nearby, along Hwy 28 in the Birch Creek Recreation Area.
GuideNice location, close to town. Close to road but not much traffic. Access can be difficult with steep access from main road and tricky spots along the access road. There are three access spots. Would pick the first or second. The road is difficult between the second and third access roads. Would recommend walking down to see if safe for you and your vehicle. There is more dispersed camping farther up the road but you begin to lose cell coverage.
GuideOn left, out East Fork Rd from Challis. Long ways. Decent dirt road but great drive. Just past private land into National Forest, can see Germainia trailhead from there. Old settlement remains on river. Small metal fire ring Great views and quiet!
GuideWe came here second week of May just after the rangers opened FR-146. We travelled all the way to the end where there is a trailer turn-around. All sites looked nice and we counted 12 designated dispersed sites, #1 was the furthest in. We ended up in 2C(the furthest in of three sites of area #2. The site was next to the river. It was 4.5 miles in on the dirt road and our closest neighbor was back up the road 3.5 miles in camp Murdock, roughly a twenty minute drive. The only animals we saw were ground squirrels. It was so peaceful and a wonderful experience.
LegendFree designated dispersed campsite along Sawtooth Nation Forest Road 137. Camped here at the end of September 2024. Very large designated dispersed site set downhill from the forest road; no issues with dust from this road. The area is level. May be able to park 3 rigs. Tent camping is possible back from the parking area toward the metal firering. This area can accommodate 3 or 4 tents, or one big hot tent. Corral Creek is just down a short path from the campsite. The sound of the creek can be heard at the site. Very quiet area. Mountains on either side of the site. The parking area is dirt and gravel. The "tent" area is grass and dirt. Don't see opportunities for hammock camping. No cell service. No shade; solar recharging and Starlink possible. 3 day limit. Hiking trailheads and vault toilet at the end of the forest road.
ScoutDelightful creekside free campsites! Turn at the BLM sign and take a little gravel road to several free creekside spots! There are at least two pit toilets, one at a spot with two picnic tables, each has a great shade, fire pit, and a place for a camp stove! One has a flat raised gravel spot for a tent, which was good because we actually saw a couple mice. The second pit toilet was further down the road at a more separated spot, it looked like it was ADA accessible and also had a picnic table, etc. Close enough to Carey to get gas/ice. Only giving it 4 stars because of the mice (pack out your own trash guys! It isn’t hard!) and the complete lack of trees, the covers over the picnic tables did proved shade, but it still got crazy hot.
GuideGreat spots near a slow moving river with bathrooms and shade and picnic tables. The best dispersed camping I have ever found! No trash, so pack it out, and the toilets are buggy, but the scenery and privacy is worth it. You get in far enough and get hidden by sage brush!
TravelerGPS coordinates show for Eagle, ID but the drycamping spot isn’t remotely close to Eagle. It’s near Challis, ID.
Mackay, Idaho, offers a fantastic opportunity for those seeking the tranquility of dispersed camping amidst stunning natural landscapes. With a variety of spots to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regulations for dispersed camping near Mackay?
Dispersed camping near Mackay follows standard public land regulations. At Cougar Dispersed Camping Area, there are 12 designated dispersed sites that become accessible when rangers open the forest roads, typically in May. Corral Creek Designated Dispersed offers free designated sites along Sawtooth National Forest Road 137. General regulations include a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period, camping at least 100-200 feet from water sources, using existing fire rings where available, proper waste disposal (pack it out), and respecting seasonal closures. Some areas may have additional fire restrictions during dry months. Check with the local Forest Service or BLM office for current conditions and specific area restrictions.
Is 4WD required to access dispersed camping areas around Mackay?
Four-wheel drive requirements vary by location around Mackay. BLM Skull Canyon Road Dispersed features a rough narrow rocky track with high humps, making high clearance vehicles recommended. Similarly, access to Winged Fork Pl Dispersed involves a decent dirt road that's navigable without 4WD but requires careful driving. By contrast, Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed offers various pullout sites off a gravel road where no 4x4 is required. Many sites along Lake Creek Road are accessible with standard vehicles when conditions are dry, though some locations like Antelope Creek have steep access points that can be challenging. Generally, high-clearance vehicles provide better access options, but many areas remain accessible to careful drivers in passenger cars during good weather.
Where can I find free dispersed camping in Mackay, Idaho?
Mackay offers several excellent free dispersed camping options. Antelope Creek provides a convenient location close to town with multiple access points, though the road between the second and third access can be challenging. For a more remote experience, try Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed, which features delightful creekside sites with picnic tables, shade, fire pits, and even pit toilets. Additional options include BLM land along Skull Canyon Road, Corral Creek areas in Sawtooth National Forest, and sites along East Fork Road past Challis. Most dispersed camping in the area is on public lands managed by the Forest Service or BLM, typically allowing stays up to 14 days.
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